Testimonials​

Professor Den Hollander was fantastic. While attendance is strongly encouraged, he wouldn’t mind you missing a couple of classes. He’s really passionate, so missing a class anyway would only be at your own cost. Super intriguing lectures. Always checks in on his students’ wellbeing!
Okay, Professor Den Hollander is actually the most amazing guy in the world. He was so caring and compassionate. The class was super easy, and if you have a Jewish background, it will be even easier. There is a Midterm and a Final Test, all multiple choice, but he gives three attempts. He also gives a few smaller tests in between. There is a final paper of about four pages.
He is a great professor. He clearly loves what he does, and you can sense it in every lecture. Attending the lecture is highly recommend since most quizzes are based on information given in class although he shares the slides he uses, and it’s a very calm class but you will have to work for your A.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Professor den Hollander for all he has done for me this semester. Words can't express how he has helped shape who I am. I will never forget my time in his class. He opened my eyes to many realities in the world and I hope one day I can make a difference.
​E.C., 2022
​A very interesting professor, he is understandable, fair, gives a lot of work but you will have a better understanding for this course.
Professor den Hollander is passionate about what he teaches and engages his students. I appreciated how he gave personal attention to each student and made it a point to encourage them to participate. This class definitely made me more interested in the topic and I hope that Hunter College hires more compassionate teachers like him. Amazing course!
He is so so so good that words will not do justice. Such a sweet, warm and amiable personality that made me immediately interested in the class and I didn’t want to miss any day (besides sick days). I love his teaching style and he made sure everyone would participate and our reading and analysis skills have increased tremendously due to the assignments he gave. He knew all of our names and always welcomed us individually when we entered the class. Everyone was truly engaged and respectful towards him because of his personality. I will miss him so much and wish that I can take more classes with him in the future. Please continue to teach in this college professor! It was such a pleasure being your student! (S. Sultana)
Dear Professor,
I just wanted to say that it was a pleasure having you as a professor for this course (Medieval Hebrew Texts). I didn’t expect much when I enrolled in this course except learn more about Hebrew. Upon taking the class, you have made the experience more than I could greatly appreciate. You have taught me so much in areas I didn’t know about concerning Hebrew, all the religions, and the history of it. You made every class enjoyable and I could say I learned something new every day. I was always excited to attend class because you have this great energy about you when teaching us this course that makes one want to engage in the class. So, I just want to thank you for everything and to say it was a pleasure knowing you as a professor.
Thank you, R.B.
Professor den Hollander was my teacher for the Jewish Texts and Writings course. I would like to offer my opinion of the professor who I felt was extremely competent in relaying the diverse and complicated course material in a very effective and interesting manner. In addition, his energetic and stimulating presentations helped to induce student enthusiasm and class participation. Professor den Hollander’s interesting biographical background and knowledge of pertinent languages helped impart particular nuance and color to the course material as he made it come more alive and fascinating. Overall, I would rate Professor den Hollander as a gifted teacher and would highly recommend his courses to other students.
​M.B.
Dear Professor den Hollander,
This semester I am taking two Hebrew courses (Introduction to the Old Testament and Hebraic Culture under Islamic Rule). In both these classes we focus heavily on text, especially ancient texts. I wanted to say that because of your classes, I have a much further interest and understanding of these languages and mindsets. Not only does this help me to excel in class, but it also allows me to remember my personal interest in language. I wanted to thank you for giving me insight into the ancient texts, and let you know that almost every class I think of how much I have learned and gained from your classes and from you as a professor. Thank you for all you have given me.
S.S.​
Dear Professor, 
I'm writing to let you know I have a new job as the Youth Coordinator of the (…) Synagogue. This is my first week and I'm really enjoying it here. I want to thank you for all you've done in leading me towards a career in Jewish education. I had not considered that this would be a possibility for me before I took your classes at Hunter. Since then, I have felt a real connection to the Jewish community in a way I hadn't before (as you know my family is not observant, and I did not receive religious education as a child). I've also started learning Hebrew and (slowly) learning a lot more about Judaica and Jewish history. So, looking back, it was your classes and the people I met there that opened this door for me! So, thank you, and I hope to connect with you soon. 
Best, C.J.

​Professor den Hollander is one of the most genuine, understanding, and passionate people I have ever come across. Every session I found myself enveloped and submerged in the material because of his passion. His class has helped me so much on a personal level because I would often find myself internally confused with spirituality due to growing up with one Catholic and one Jewish parent. I have finally found answers, and thanks to Professor den Hollander's passion and energy, I am finally comfortable enough to feel closer to God. Who would have thought that a class I chose last minute would have so much impact. Professor den Hollander remained both professional but warm with all his students and will always be memorable.
Love him!!! He's an amazing professor and I would love to take future courses with him.
Professor den Hollander was among the best professors I have ever taken at Hunter. His lectures provide new perspectives and he will explain a topic until it is understood by the whole class. His Jewish Texts and Writing class was both fascinating as well as an incredible learning experience. He hope he will teach this to future generations of students.
You are awesome! The reason I like coming to your class is because you are so passionate about your work! It is refreshing and definitely helps me understand and appreciate the material as well. Your life story is very interesting and your twist on each matter makes the class enjoyable. I appreciate humor in professors. I was looking forward to seeing all the funny and ironic pictures in your slides. Thank you very much for your time. I wish more people who teach love their work as much as you do.
Professor Sjimon is excellent. He really challenged me to try and learn material in a new way and showed me that it is good to keep an open mind.
Professor den Hollander is great! He is super knowledgeable, passionate about the subject, and respectful to his students. His lessons are engaging and fun. He encourages participation and has a warm, friendly personality that brings a lot to the classroom environment. The material that we covered was thought-provoking and interesting. I really learned a lot!!
The course Masterpieces of Medieval Hebrew Literature taught by Professor den Hollander was an excellent learning experience where he made the subject come alive with his enthusiasm for the subject and with an abundance of related literature and audio-visual guides. It is the best and most interesting literature course I have taken at Hunter College. The professor has stimulated the students with his stimulating presentations, engaging teaching style, and diversified knowledge and experience of the subject.  His commitment to the students produced strong interest and questioning during the classes. Overall, Professor den Hollander is an exceptional teacher with remarkable dedication to the students and conveying the subject matter. It has been a great honor having Professor den Hollander as a teacher.
Professor den Hollander was clearly very passionate about the topics he taught which was reflected in the effort he put into the course. This made the classes more interesting. He was great!